Hawkins Drives Mountaineers to Victory
Michael Hawkins Jr. was the decisive factor in a 24-20 victory for the West Virginia Mountaineers over the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The visiting team's star quarterback accounted for three total touchdowns, including the final play of the game, to secure the win in Fort Worth.
The game ended with West Virginia improving its record to 5-3, while TCU fell to 3-4 on the season.
TCU Leads Early, West Virginia Responds
The Horned Frogs took an early 7-3 lead in the first quarter after Jack Cassidy missed a 54-yard field goal attempt, though he later connected on a 39-yarder to tie the game at 10-10 in the second quarter. TCU’s Jaden Craig finished with 372 passing yards on 33 of 47 attempts, while Kari Ashley added 118 receiving yards on six catches.
However, West Virginia’s Michael Hawkins Jr. struck twice in the second and third quarters with 2-yard and 36-yard runs, respectively, to give the Mountaineers a 17-13 lead before the final period.
Late Surge Seals the Game
TCU’s Jaden Craig ran for a 2-yard touchdown in the third quarter to pull the home team within three points, making the score 20-17. The momentum shifted decisively in the fourth quarter when Hawkins Jr. connected with Cam Cook on a 13-yard pass for the game-winning touchdown. The play gave West Virginia a 24-20 lead that they held until the final whistle.
Hawkins Jr. completed seven of 15 passes for 79 yards, while Cam Cook rushed for 90 yards on 18 carries. The Mountaineers’ defense limited TCU to zero points in the final quarter, ensuring the visitors left Amon G. Carter Stadium with the win. Attendance at the venue was 36,216.
Final Statistics and Records
The game featured strong performances from both teams’ offensive lines. For TCU, Jon Denman rushed for 58 yards on 15 carries, while Kari Ashley led the receiving corps with 118 yards. West Virginia’s Prince Strachan added 24 receiving yards on two catches.
The final score was 24-20 in favor of West Virginia, with the quarter-by-quarter scores reflecting a tight contest: West Virginia scored 3, 7, 7, and 7 points, while TCU scored 7, 3, 10, and 0 points. The Mountaineers depart Fort Worth with a 5-3 record, and the Horned Frogs remain at 3-4.
Sources
ESPN
